US Adopts 'Tanker for Tanker' Policy Against Iran Amid Regional Escalation

The United States military has adopted a new policy of "tanker for tanker" in response to Iranian attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, according to American officials. This marks the first time the U.S. military has directly targeted Iranian oil tankers, moving beyond enforcing a naval blockade. The policy, approved by President Donald Trump, aims to deter Iran from further aggressions against vessels in the vital waterway.

This new strategy emerged amid a significant regional escalation between the U.S. and Iran. The U.S. Central Command reported successfully completing a wave of strikes against approximately 100 Revolutionary Guard Corps targets in the Strait of Hormuz area. In response, Iran claimed to have attacked U.S. targets, including a Marine base in Aqaba and reporting drone attacks on U.S. bases in Bahrain. Air defense systems were activated in Kuwait, and Jordan's military reported intercepting 10 out of 13 ballistic missiles fired toward the country.

President Trump commented on the situation, stating that the U.S. is not forcing Iran back to negotiations but holds a superior position with "almost total control" over the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's "completely collapsing" economy. He questioned when the Iranian people would "stand up and fight."

Separately, an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) crossed from Lebanon into northern Israel early Wednesday, triggering air raid sirens in the Galilee region. It is being investigated whether the drone was intercepted. The Home Front Command stated the incident concluded.